small
Small describes something that is not large in size, amount, or degree. It is a basic word used to compare the dimensions of objects or the scale of events.
Examples
3 of 5I live in a small apartment near the park.
I live in a small apartment near the park.
The committee noted a small increase in the annual budget.
The committee noted a small increase in the annual budget.
Do you have any small change for the bus?
Do you have any small change for the bus?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'small' seed that grows into a 'big' tree.
Quick Quiz
The mouse is very _____, so it can hide easily.
Correct!
The correct answer is: small
Examples
I live in a small apartment near the park.
everydayI live in a small apartment near the park.
The committee noted a small increase in the annual budget.
formalThe committee noted a small increase in the annual budget.
Do you have any small change for the bus?
informalDo you have any small change for the bus?
A small percentage of the participants failed to complete the survey.
academicA small percentage of the participants failed to complete the survey.
We are looking for ways to support small businesses in the local area.
businessWe are looking for ways to support small businesses in the local area.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
it's a small world
expressed when you meet someone unexpectedly
the small print
important details of a document often ignored
in a small way
doing something on a minor scale
Often Confused With
Small focuses on physical size/dimension, while little often adds an emotional tone or refers to uncountable amounts.
Usage Notes
Small is a neutral word for size. It is gradable, meaning you can use 'very' or 'quite' with it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'small' to describe a person's height, but 'short' is the correct word for people.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'small' seed that grows into a 'big' tree.
Word Origin
From Old English 'smæl', meaning thin, narrow, or fine.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, 'small talk' is a social requirement when meeting new people or waiting with colleagues.
Quick Quiz
The mouse is very _____, so it can hide easily.
Correct!
The correct answer is: small
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More size words
big
A1The word 'big' is used to describe objects or people that have a large size, weight, or volume. It can also be used to indicate that something is very important or serious in a specific situation.
little
A1Describes something that is small in size, dimension, or quantity. It can also refer to a short duration of time or a young age when describing siblings.
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